Hari
OM
Application - that is what 'Workings-days' are about!
VEDANTA IN ACTION.
This is the title of a publication from CM which,
whilst it of course has items by Gurudev, also includes selections of writing
from other esteemed Gurus from the Vedantic tradition as well as leading
businessmen. Its focus is the working life. We shall be exploring these essays
for the next few weeks on Workings-day as, clearly, they pertain directly to the
premise of this section of AVBlog!
INTRODUCTION
Yet,
the working world can be the most exciting place for the practice of one's
ideals. Selflessness is the highest ideal of all religions and where better can
selflessness be practiced than in the midst of a demanding world?
Even
the most contemplative of spiritual philosophies, Vedanta, recognises the
importance of work. The question addressed in the Bhagavad Gita is not
"should we work?" but "How
should we work?" Ordinary selfish activity can be transformed into bright
and inspired karma yoga when our attitude to work changes. Vedanta In Action discusses this change in
attitude and the benefit it provide, not just to the individual practitioner,
but the society also. What is Vedanta's
relevance to the working person? Is it only useful in attaining an abstract
state of Self-Realisation, with no practical use in daily life?
The
moment the word "Vedanta" is mentioned by the average person, there
is a tendency to picture a saint/sadhu sitting and meditating somewhere remote,
or wandering the world without responsibility. There is then the thought that
this type of life, if recommended by scripture, has no relevance to his life as
worker and house-holder. Is this truly so, however? Certainly, the ultimate
goal within Vedanta is that state of liberation, but this does not mean that
there are no benefits for the engaged seeker to obtain en-route to that goal,
or that those benefits cannot help improve daily life. Self-Realisation is not
simply an accidental experience; it is the culmination of a life lived
intelligently and made progressively freer from the chains of bondage that are
self-imposed on us by our inherent vaasanas and consequent discontentment.
Are
not greater freedom and happiness the aim of each human being, regardless of
his or her geographical location?
The
entire scheme of Vedanta is to make Man progressively happier and contented in
daily living, so that spiritual unfoldment will take place within, almost by
automation. Inculcating its teachings, with daily absorption in small doses,
transforms us.
As
longs as we are alive we come into contact with the external world. It is
inevitable. If there is dexterity in meeting the world, with quick decisions,
firm will and equanimity, no situation in life can break us or enslave us. The
technique of self-mastery expounded in all the great books of true living
advises that we not escape from life,
but engage in intelligent living. This requires a diligent and alert attitude.
In every walk of life, at all times, we must make use of the ever-changing
patterns and challenges to hone our self-taming skills and, in so doing,
discover that the world becomes tamer also. The system is so pure and if
applied well, can elevate the basest person to the status of perfection.
Vedanta
advises; let each of us try to fulfil our duties as best we can, in a spirit of
detachment, with joy and dedication. The more we work in this attitude, the
more we are released from our inhibitions, repressions and other such
entanglements of the emotion. A new force, a fresh stream of strength, shall
reach us and we will find at the end of the 'play', whether won or lost, that
we have grown stronger, healthier and fuller in our personality.
Never
fear. Never hesitate.
In
whatever field we work, we must use it as an opportunity to polish our inner
character. All work is noble when undertaken in the right spirit of
selflessness and detachment. All such noble work slowly but surely leads the
worker into the new realms of joy, fulfilment and perfection.
